Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Update and feelings from Elder Brown's Mom-January 11, 2011

Jordan has now been out on his mission for two months yesterday, but whose counting? It was incredibly hard saying good-bye to our youngest and sending him on his way, but we are so proud of him and his desire to serve the Lord. We have received weekly emails from him and also hand written letters that are full of enthusiasm and wonderful experiences he is having. He was able to be in the presence of two Apostles. They received instruction and counsel from them and the Spirit was so strong he will never forget what he both heard and felt. He was able to attend the Temple each week. He was blessed with amazing teachers and an awesome companion. He and his companion served as Zone Leaders. It required a lot of extra responsibilities but Jordan was up to the challenge and I am sure he did a great job. The time Jordan spent in the MTC was a very happy and growing time for him. Sadly, his time is up there and he has not yet received a visa to go to his mission in Brazil. We would ask all of you to please pray with Elder Brown and his family that the hearts of the Consulates will be softened and that they will allow our Sisters and Elders to come to their country and share the good news of the gospel. In the mean time it was necessary that he be given a temporary assignment until the visa comes through. He has been assigned to the Dallas, Texas Mission. He is excited to get out in the field and begin the work. He left the MTC on Monday, January 10, 2011 and headed to Texas. We had just a few moments to speak with him on the phone from the Salt Lake City airport. He sounded happy, maybe a little nervous but that would be expected. He was to meet with his Mission President, President Smith, that morning and then would be assigned his training companion. In that he thought he would be headed to Brazil, he does not have a coat or gloves, but Dallas must have a store or two where they can be purchased! lol We are so excited to hear from him this week and see how things are for him in Texas. We thank each of you for the love and support you have given to Jordan. He has appreciated so much the letters, cards and packages that have been sent. He says he was a very "spoiled" missionary when it comes to mail in the MTC. Although we miss Jordan so incredibly much, we would not have him anywhere else at this time in his life. Jordan would love to hear from all of you. Please write him when you can. Both he and his family so appreciate all of you. You can write to his email account, which is found on this blog or send letters to the address on the blog. That address will probably change, but we will update when we get another address. A special thank-you to Ashley for getting this blog up and going and for maintaining it for Jordan. We love her and so appreciate her amazing computer skills! I promise to post again soon!!!!